10 Best Cat Foods for Ragdoll Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Ragdoll cats can be fussy about their food, and finding a recipe they will eat can be difficult. More than that, finding a recipe they like that is high in quality can be even more of a challenge. There is a lot of cat food on the market, but which ones are the best for your Ragdoll?
We’ve gathered a list of our top picks for cat food for Ragdoll cats and provided reviews of each. While we think these products are top-notch, you should always speak to your veterinarian before making a big dietary switch. This article aims to present you with high-quality options so that you and your vet can make the right decision for your Ragdoll.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorite Picks of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription |
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Click to Save 40% Use Code: Hepper2024 |
Budget Buy
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Cat Chow Indoor Dry Cat Food |
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Check Price |
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Royal Canin Adult Dry Cat Food |
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Check Price |
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Purina Pro Plan Dry Cat Food |
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Check Price | |
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Wellness Complete Health Dry Cat Food |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Cat Foods for Ragdoll Cats
1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken thigh (skin-on), chicken liver, green beans, peas |
| Protein content: | 15.5% (min) |
| Fat content: | 8.5% (min) |
| Calories | 1,401 kcal/kg |
Our choice for the best overall cat food for Ragdoll cats is the Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Bird recipe. This protein-packed recipe is made with human-grade chicken thigh and liver and gently cooked to preserve nutrients. That means it is less processed than your average wet cat food product.
The first ingredients in this recipe are pure meat, making this formula a protein-rich blend. All ingredients are sourced from the United States or Canada, while each package is made in the United States. There are no preservatives to worry about, and this recipe is high in antioxidants, micronutrients, and phytonutrients.
Of course, since the Smalls Fresh Bird recipe is such a high-quality product, the price is a bit hefty. But if money isn’t an object to you when it comes to feeding your Ragdoll, then Smalls may be a perfect choice!
- First ingredients are chicken
- Ingredients sourced from the United States or Canada
- Gently cooked to preserve nutrients
- Made in the United States
- No preservatives
- High in micronutrients, antioxidants, and phytonutrients
- Expensive
2. Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Cat Food – Budget Buy
| Main ingredients: | Chicken by-product meal, whole grain corn, soy flour, whole grain wheat |
| Protein content: | 30.0% |
| Fat content: | 9.5% |
| Calories | 3,372 kcal/kg |
We think that the best budget option is Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food. This recipe helps you manage your cat’s hairball production and weight, which is excellent for furry Ragdoll cats.
Cat Chow contains essential vitamins and minerals, helping your cat to stay healthy. It is made in the United States and is listed at an affordable price. On the downside, this recipe is not suggested for outdoor cats. If your Ragdoll tends to roam outdoors, Cat Chow may not provide all the nutrients he needs, causing him to become underweight.
- Excellent for hairball and weight management
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
- Made in the United States
- Affordable
- Not advised for outdoor cats
3. Royal Canin Feline Breed Ragdoll Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, wheat gluten |
| Protein content: | 30.0% |
| Fat content: | 16.0% |
| Calories | 3,795 kcal/kg |
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food is another good choice designed with the nutritional needs of your Ragdoll in mind. The omega-3 fatty acids in this formula are intended to bolster the strength of your Ragdoll’s joints and bones, which is essential for larger cat breeds.
This recipe includes taurine, EPA, and DHA, which are essential to your cat’s health and development. Plus, the kibble is specially crafted to suit the shape and size of your Ragdoll’s jaw, making it easier for him to chew.
However, some users report that their Ragdolls are too fussy to eat the uniquely sized kibble. If you have a particularly picky Ragdoll, this recipe may be a difficult transition to make.
- Designed with a Ragdoll’s nutritional needs in mind
- Omega-3 fatty acids boost the health of the joints and bones
- The kibble is made special for a Ragdoll’s jaw
- Includes taurine, EPA, and DHA
- Some Ragdolls don’t enjoy the unique kibble size
4. Purina Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice, beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols |
| Protein content: | 42.0% |
| Fat content: | 19.0% |
| Calories | 3,980 kcal/kg |
If you have a little Ragdoll kitten to feed, you can try Purina’s Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food. This formula is specially designed to promote the health of your kitten. It includes DHA, an essential key to brain and vision development. Likewise, the inclusion of calcium and phosphorus boosts the health of the teeth and bones, and the addition of probiotics supports the digestive and immune systems.
This product is somewhat expensive; however, you will likely only be purchasing it until your kitten has grown. If you think that temporary expense is worthwhile, this could be a good option.
- DHA promotes brain and vision development
- Helps your kitten to develop strong bones and teeth
- Supports digestive and immune system health
- Somewhat expensive
5. Wellness Complete Health Salmon Recipe Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, menhaden fish meal |
| Protein content: | 36.0% |
| Fat content: | 18.0% |
| Calories | 3,873 kcal/kg |
Our vet’s pick is the Wellness Complete Health Salmon Adult Dry Cat Food. This formula is made in the United States and is a high-protein option, with the first four ingredients all derived from salmon, herring, or menhaden fish. The fish also provides an excellent source of omega fatty acids, which help nourish your Ragdoll’s skin and fluffy coat.
In addition to supporting the skin and coat, this recipe also boosts the health of your cat’s digestive, immune, and urinary systems.
Some cat parents complain that this recipe smells bad. If you have a particularly sensitive nose, you may want to give this product a test run before you commit to it.
- First four ingredients are fish-based
- Omega fatty acids nourish the skin and coat
- Supports digestion, immunity, and urinary health
- Made in the United States
- May smell bad
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Grain-Free Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, peas |
| Protein content: | 38.0% |
| Fat content: | 16.0% |
| Calories | 3,671 kcal/kg |
Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a high-protein recipe, with the first two ingredients being derived from an animal source. This formula is designed to maintain a healthy weight for your cat, which can be especially helpful for larger breeds.
To support your cat’s health, this recipe includes antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system. Likewise, the ingredients promote the development of lean muscles.
Since this recipe is crafted with indoor cats in mind, it may not be the best fit for an outdoor cat. If your cat likes to explore outside from time to time, this recipe may not offer him all the nutrients he needs to be sustained.
- First two ingredients are chicken-based
- Designed to help cats keep a healthy weight
- Vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals support your cat’s immunity
- Supports the development of lean muscles
- May not be suitable for outdoor cats
7. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, dried egg product, pork protein isolate, gelatin |
| Protein content: | 59.0% |
| Fat content: | 18.0% |
| Calories | 4,030 kcal/kg |
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food has a high protein content at 59.0% minimum, with chicken, dried egg product, and pork protein isolate as the three primary ingredients. Likewise, this recipe is a low glycemic formula, making it a healthy option.
The ingredients in this recipe are specifically chosen to fight against the development of bladder stones, so if your Ragdoll has been having urinary issues lately, this recipe could be a tremendous help. On the downside, clean protein is somewhat expensive.
- High protein content
- Low glycemic formula
- Helps to prevent bladder stones
- Somewhat expensive
8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Sensitive Cat Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, split peas |
| Protein content: | 33.0% min |
| Fat content: | 16.0% min |
| Calories | 3756 kcal ME/kg |
With chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients in Nutro’s Wholesome Essentials Sensitive Dry Cat Food, your cat will get plenty of needed protein. This formula is specially crafted to promote your cat’s digestive health, especially in cats with sensitive digestion. This recipe may be helpful if your Ragdoll tends to have an easily upset belly.
In addition to boosting your Ragdoll’s digestive health, Nutro supports the health of your cat’s entire body with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. However, this recipe is a bit expensive.
- First two ingredients are chicken-based
- Supports cats with sensitive digestion
- Promotes full-body health with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Expensive
9. Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR Adult Indoor Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken meal |
| Protein content: | 36.0% min |
| Fat content: | 10.0% min |
| Calories | 4,102 kcal/kg |
Purina’s Pro Plan LIVECLEAR Adult Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food contains turkey as the primary ingredient. It is also designed to help your cat to maintain a healthy weight, which can be especially helpful for Ragdoll cats.
An interesting benefit to Purina’s Pro Plan LIVECLEAR is that it reduces the allergens in your cat’s hair and dander, which can help alleviate your allergic symptoms. If you or someone in your house struggles with cat allergies, this may be an incredibly beneficial formula for you and your Ragdoll.
Unfortunately, this recipe leans a bit on the expensive side.
- Reduces allergens in cat hair and dander
- Helps cats to manage weight
- Expensive
10. Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control Dry Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley |
| Protein content: | 32.0% min |
| Fat content: | 15.0% |
| Calories | 3,669 kcals/kg |
Blue Buffalo’s Indoor Hairball Control Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food has deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients, ensuring that your Ragdoll cat gets plenty of protein. It also helps you to manage your cat’s hairball production, which is especially helpful for long-haired cats like Ragdolls.
However, Blue Buffalo’s Indoor Hairball Control is not designed for outdoor cats. If your Ragdoll cat is an outdoor cat, he may not get enough nutrients from this meal due to his higher activity levels, so it is advised that you only feed it to indoor cats.
- First two ingredients are chicken-based
- Helps your cat to manage hairballs
- Not ideal for outdoor cats
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Food for Your Ragdoll
Even after going through our reviews, it can be difficult to decide which cat food formula is the right fit for your Ragdoll cat. To help you make a more informed decision, we have some key features that you should look for in your Ragdoll’s meal.
Tips for Purchasing Cat Food
The first thing to look for is a certification from The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO has set a standard for nutritional guidelines that cat food must meet, so if AAFCO endorses a brand, you know that cat food meets a minimum dietary requirement. If a brand does not have any endorsement from AAFCO, then you should avoid it.
AAFCO requires that cat food containing a single ingredient must have no less than 95% of that ingredient. This number does not include added water. The same goes for a combination of advertised ingredients. An example of this is if a food claims to be made solely of chicken, it must contain 95% or more. If it claims to be made of chicken and turkey, it must have 95% or more of chicken and turkey. Therefore, if you find an AAFCO-certified brand that claims to be made solely of one ingredient or a combination of ingredients, you can rest assured knowing that those ingredients make up a significant portion of the meal.
Cat meals described as dinners, platters, entrées, or something similar only need to contain 25% of the advertised ingredient. If the product states that it is made “with” a specific item, like chicken, then that food only needs to contain 3% of the listed ingredient. Recipes that state they’re made with certain flavors only need a very small amount of that ingredient.
Keeping all of this in mind will help you better understand what is in your cat’s meal.
While providing our feline companions with high-quality food is paramount, selecting the right food and water bowl is equally important. The modern yet practical design of our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl combines cat-catered features, like whisker-friendly shallow dishes and slight elevation, with a contemporary style aimed at protecting your floors from messy eating and drinking. The NomNom is entirely dishwasher safe and was thoughtfully created with your cat’s health and well-being in mind.
Look at the Nutrients
Nutrients are important to consider when deciding which brand you should give to your Ragdoll. It can be difficult to determine exactly which nutrients are in a meal, but thankfully, there are ways to find out.
The guaranteed analysis is included in the meal’s packaging. This lists the minimum amounts of protein and fat found in the meal, expressed as a percentage. Likewise, it shows a percentage of the highest amount of fiber and moisture you can expect in the meal.
While this can be a helpful way for you to determine what percentage of your cat’s meal is protein, it is essential to remember that the guaranteed analysis does not tell you anything about the quality of the ingredients. Just because a meal has a high protein content does not mean it is made with high-quality ingredients.
Pay Attention to the Ingredients
Ingredients are listed in order of weight. This means that ingredients with high amounts of moisture may be at the top of the list due to the added weight. This includes ingredients such as beef, poultry, fish, or chicken.
Your cat’s food needs to be a good source of protein and fat, specifically from animals. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they need to eat meat to maintain good health. Therefore, you will want to verify that any food you give your cat is a good source of animal-based protein (such as beef, chicken, turkey, etc.) and that it contains reasonable amounts of fat.
Consider Your Cat’s Stage of Life
Is your Ragdoll a kitten, an adult, or a senior? Cat food formulas offer different nutritional values, which may not be sufficient for every stage of your cat’s life. You should check the cat food label to ensure that your cat is being fed a meal proper to his stage of life.
Allergies, sensitive digestion, irritated skin, and other conditions will influence which foods you can and cannot feed your cat. Some cat foods will support these conditions while others will be less ideal.
Consult Your Veterinarian
To make the best choice possible, we recommend you consult your veterinarian to get their professional opinion. Your vet will be well-versed in the nutritional needs of a cat as well as the specific needs of your Ragdoll. With this information, your vet is an excellent resource when you are trying to decide which food to feed your cat.
Conclusion
We hope these reviews have helped you make a more informed decision about the food you should feed your Ragdoll. For the best overall cat food for Ragdolls, check out Smalls and their healthy recipes. Cat Chow is an economical chƒtoice that can work well for Ragdolls. In the end, the choice of which food is best for your cat will come down to you.
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
